The United Nations Environment Programme has committed about $32 million to support Kenya’s climate action and environmental initiatives as the country prepares for potentially disruptive rainfall conditions later this year.
Margaret Oduk, head of the UNEP Liaison Office to the African Union Commission and UN Economic Commission for Africa, disclosed the commitment during the 13th National Climate Outlook Forum in Nairobi.
Oduk said UNEP would support Kenya and other African countries in integrating climate information into environmental management, nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation. She identified wetlands, forests and watersheds as important natural buffers against extreme rainfall and its impacts.
The forum is focused on preparedness for the October-November-December 2026 rainfall season amid evolving El Niño conditions. Oduk warned that increasing climate variability and more frequent and intense weather extremes are already affecting food and water security, ecosystems, infrastructure, health and livelihoods across Africa.
She urged governments and institutions to strengthen preparedness ahead of the rains, noting that the season could bring opportunities for agriculture but also increase risks of flooding, landslides, infrastructure damage and disease outbreaks.
Oduk also called for stronger links between seasonal forecasts and long-term environmental resilience, saying climate information should translate into practical action by governments, communities and vulnerable sectors.
The initiative comes as Kenyan authorities intensify preparations for the coming rainy season, with climate and disaster-management agencies developing sector-specific measures to reduce potential impacts.
